Dr. FitzGerald obtained a PhD on ecological interactions of fish-parasite communities (UCC) and holds qualifications in Business (MBA) and in Finance. He has been involved in R&D in aquaculture for almost 30 years in a variety of roles and posts including working as Technical Director with a salmon farm company and managed/led research efforts at the Aquaculture Development Centre in UCC.  From 2000-2006, he established and managed his own specialist seafood company.

He currently manages the Carna Research Station of the Ryan Institute. He has served as a member of State Boards, Agencies and representative/consultative for trade organisations both nationally and internationally. He has significant and well-established links internationally and has an extensive track record in leveraging national, EU and international funding.